Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, Germany -- 9/24/02

Howdy folks-

Today's focus is on Germany. This pavilion, like Italy's is basically for dining and shopping. There are no movies, rides, or particular attractions. During Christmas season, all the pavilions have their versions of Santa telling their country's traditional Christmas tale, and Germany has theirs as well. There is a KidKot station here and it is a good place for character interaction. BUT- if you don't like German food, Hummels, beer steins, or Bavarian architecture, you might want to pass this one up.

We like to visit here because we are medieval history buffs and this area is designed after Bavaria in the 16th century. Prominently displayed in the center of the courtyard is a statue of St. George and the Dragon. St. George supposedly slew a dragon and saved the proverbial virgen. While the legend is debatable, St. George is still the patron saint of soldiers, at least in Germany, and his statue and likeness can be found everywhere.

There are several interesting shops here- one specializes in beersteins. My husband loves this shop. My favorite is the one with the imported Bavarian Chocolate and Christmas ornaments. I always get a chocolate covered pretzel here. One we all like is the Hummel shop. If you are lucky, you will catch an artist hard at work painting these lovely little collectable children.

The one "attraction" here that you don't want to miss is the lovely miniature train garden. The scenes set forth are quite detailed and there is a footbridge right through the middle so you can get quite a good look. There are several hidden mickeys here so look carefully!

Some points of interest:

If you are there near the hour, look at the clock- 2 little hummel figures come out when the clock chimes.

The glockenspiel melody was specifically written for Epcot.

The four statues in the square (not including George) represent the Hapsbourg Emperors.

There is very little landscaping here-mostly pots of plants with red blooms. I don't know the significance of red flowers, but if you like begonias and geraniums, this is the place for you.